The Supreme Court Protects the Presidency in Trump v. U.S.

Partisans on the left and right are reacting to Monday’s Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity based on how it affects the fate of Donald Trump. That’s a blinkered view that ignores the long-run implications for the American republic. The 6-3 Court majority rightly focuses on the institution of the Presidency, and the ability of all Presidents—not merely the last one—to act in the national interest free from prosecution for official acts.

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The opinion by Chief Justice John Roberts in Trump v. U.S. is a landmark on executive power. It was also predictable...